Guaranteed Spiritual Success (Deut. 4:1-31) Im fascinated by those ads in airline magazines that promise salesmen quick and easy success. Ive known one salesman, Ed, who listened daily to the tapes and regularly attended the seminars such ads market. But Ed wasnt exactly successful, and I remain suspicious about the promises those ads make. On the other hand, Im positive that what Moses told Israel in Deuteronomy 4 can guarantee success in anyones spiritual life. What would you hear on one of Moses tapes, or at one of his seminars? Probably something like this: (1) Keep the commands of the Lord your God (v. 2). Absolutely safe guidelines to the good life! (2) Watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart (v. 9). Review what God has done for you every day, and youll stay motivated! (3) Teach them to your children and to their children after them (v. 9). Share what God means to you. It will keep your faith fresh and make God real to your loved ones. (4) Watch yourselves very carefully, so that you do not become corrupt (vv. 15-16). Dont get cocky. Anyone can slip and fall. Never give any idol—whether wealth, pleasure, power, love, or even good works—Gods central place in your life. Of course, Im not sure Moses tapes and seminars would sell. You see, people are always looking for an easy way to succeed. As far as spiritual success is concerned, there isnt any easy way. So perhaps Moses would add one other step for us moderns. Like, Work at your relationship with God. Certainly Moses and the new generation of Israelites would say, with spiritually successful saints through the ages, Its worth it! Personal Application What disciplines have you developed to help you achieve spiritual success? Quotable God calls us, not to success, but to faith—obedience and trust and service—and He bids us to be unconcerned with measuring the merits of our work the way the world does. We are to sow; He will reap as He pleases.—Charles Colson
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:48:56 +0000
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